Take the Helm Yourself ………………… or Just Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride.

Nothing beats hands on experience when it comes to learning new skills and improving one’s sailing abilities.  This year, Discover Sailing and ASA have teamed up to create a selection of on water, hands on learning events that will add more fun and excitement to your Strictly Sail experience and take your sailing skills up a notch at the same time.  All learning events provide hands on practice with an ASA certified instructor and are taught while underway aboard 30’ to 40’ sailboats.

The first of the on water learning events features a series of three 90 minute hands on skills workshops including Introduction to Sailing, Coastal Cruising and Docking under Power.   

For those who would prefer greater content and more practice time, we have two brand new underway seminars that are 3 ½ hours each.  Participants can choose from the Advanced Cruising skills and the Introduction to Cruising Catamarans Seminars.  There is a registration fee for both events and complimentary boat show admission for the day is provided to participants.

For show goers seeking a little less action, Discover Sailing will once again provide a FREE 45 minute sail on the Bay with an experienced Skipper.  It’s been a staple of Strictly Sail boat shows and is a great way to get out on the water and experience the joy of sailing.  This event is FREE with paid boat show admission and is conducted daily during the show.  Those wishing to participate may register onsite at the Discover Sailing Center. 

Discover Sailing Puts You at the Helm in 3 on-water workshops.

This year’s expanded lineup includes something for everyone... from absolute beginners to seasoned sailors.  Participants will learn basic and intermediate skills through hands on, underway exercises taught by ASA Certified Instructors aboard 30’ to 40’sailboats.  Participation is $35 for each event and is limited to 4 persons per boat.

“Introduction to Sailing” – Are you new to Sailing (or just a little rusty)? Learn how easy and fun sailing is by participating in one of ASA’s basic skills building clinics (ASA 101 – Sailing Made Easy) aboard a Discover Sailing training vessel. During these 90 minute sessions you’ll learn how to raise and lower the sails, trim the sails correctly, tack, jibe, helmsmanship fundamentals, points of sail and more.

Coastal Cruising – For more experienced sailors, there will be intermediate skills building opportunities in these clinics based on ASA curriculum for Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) and Bareboat Charter (ASA 104). During these 90 minute sessions participants will learn several essential skills including how to heave to, reef the sails, steer with the sails and crew overboard recovery methods. 

Docking Under Power & Close Quarters Boat Control – This is an important skill although one that is not often practiced except when departing and returning to the slip. Participants will learn close quarters maneuvering skills taught as part of the ASA Docking “Endorsement”. These are 90 minute sessions that include the following: 360 degree turns in tight spaces (back and fill), backing down a narrow channel in a straight line, weather vane turns in windy conditions, coming alongside a pier (fuel dock) and using spring lines in docking maneuvers.

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NEW FOR 2012 – Learn Advanced Skills in this On-Water Seminar

The American Sailing Association has brought together some of its most experienced blue water instructors for this Advanced Cruising Skills seminar to help beginner and intermediate sailors improve their ability to handle the offshore environment.    Participants can expect to learn advanced sail shaping and sail management, essential heavy weather tactics and advanced boat control techniques for docking and maneuvering in close quarters.   All elements are taught through hands on exercises aboard 30’ to 40’ sailboats.
All components of these 3 ½ hour sessions are taken directly from ASA’s Bareboat Charter (ASA 104) and Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) programs. Participation in this hands-on learning event is $145 including show admission for the day and registration is limited to 5 persons per boat.

Plus A Strictly Sail Pacific 2012 Exclusive!! – Introduction to Cruising Catamarans

Participants in this 3 ½ hour under way seminar will experience firsthand the expansive comfort, impressive speed and precise maneuverability of the modern cruising catamaran along with the unique sailing and handling needs of larger “Cats”. This exclusive, hands on learning program is ideal for newcomers and monohull sailors with little to no experience on multihulls and it’s also a great “charter starter”.
ASA instructors will cover Cruising Catamaran fundamentals including techniques for tacking and jibing in light air, correct sail trim, steering a compass course, line handling and winch safety, crew overboard recovery, maneuvering in tight spaces under power and much more. All learning elements are taken directly from the ASA Cruising Catamaran certification course (ASA 114).
Space is very limited and advance registration is required. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and capable of performing as an active crew member while underway.

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Comprehensive educational programs for Monohull and Multihull Sailing, Cruising, Bareboat Charter and Advanced Sailing Skills are available through ASA’s network of authorized affiliates, a list of which may be found at www.asa.com.